Transmembrane pores formed by aromatic oligoamide foldamers and uses of same

ABSTRACT

Provided are aromatic oligoamide foldamers and self-assembled compositions of the same. The aromatic oligoamide foldamers and compositions can form tube-like structures that can form pores in membranes. The pores can be used to transport ions and molecules, such as, for example, cryoprotective agents or therapeutic agents, through the membrane. The tube-like structures exhibit desirable stability at low temperatures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/586,589, filed on Nov. 15, 2017, and to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/729,235, filed on Sep. 10, 2018, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure generally relates to oligoamide foldamers. Moreparticularly the disclosure relates to self-assembling aromaticoligoamide foldamers that can be used to form transmembrane pores.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The plasma membrane plays a vital biological role by serving as apermeability barrier that prevents unassisted movement of mostwater-soluble substances. This membrane maintains the characteristicdifferences between the inside and outside of the cell. In biologicalsystems, the permeability of cell membrane is regulated by passive poresdriven along, and by active transporters against, the concentrationgradient.

Efforts to create synthetic channels started three decades ago and arestill ongoing, with the majority of systems being based on ion transportand few on molecular transport. Compared to protein pores, syntheticorganic pores offer unique advantages including substantially smallermolecular masses, synthetic tunability allowing the incorporation ofstructural units that otherwise are incompatible with or cannot beincorporated into protein-based pores, high stability andnon-immunogenicity. However, due to the limitations of current syntheticmethods, the architectural variability of membrane proteins remainswidely unexplored and inaccessible to synthetic constructs. In fact,large functional pores that can be readily synthesized with minimal helpfrom biological approaches are remarkably rare.

The controlled poration of plasma membranes can revolutionize manyimportant applications related to the transport of impermeablehydrophilic substances across cell membranes. The use of naturalpore-forming proteins for intracellular delivery of hydrophilicmolecules such as sugars has shown promise. It was previouslydemonstrated that intracellular delivery of 0.2 M trehalosesignificantly improved post-thaw cell viability when transported througha genetically engineered variant of the pore forming toxin, α-hemolysin.The large lumen of α-hemolysin (14 Å) can allow sufficient transport ofmolecules like trehalose, but replaces adverse CPA cytotoxicity withcytotoxicity based-upon a lack of selective transport due to a largepore that remained opened, especially at physiological temperature. Arational blockage strategy was critical to reduce toxicity and thegenetically engineered pore forming protein based on α-hemolysin wasblocked with addition high concentrations of Zn²⁺ ion for 18 hours.Besides, most biological pores suffer from thermal and mechanicalinstability, incompatibility with solvents other than water, andimmunogenicity. Overcoming the deficiencies of protein pores bydeveloping synthetic pores capable of mimicking natural systems hasattracted the interest of many chemists over the last several decades.These channels and pores provide significant advantages such assynthetic efficiency and structure diversity to engineer variousfunctions such as responsiveness and selective transport. With theirready functionalization, versatile compatibility, and modular molecularrecognition, organic nanotubes, which can be structurally modified,could overcome the limits of biological and known synthetic pores. Mostknown systems of synthetic pores developed thus far are focused onselective ion transport with few capable of transporting molecules.Self-assembling or unimolecular pores with sizes that allow thetransport of molecules, especially membrane-impermeable hydrophilicmolecules, are few, while synthetic pores that are modulated by externalstimuli such pH, light, or heat are not yet available.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides aromatic oligoamide foldamers andself-assembled compositions formed from aromatic oligoamide foldamers.Compounds and compositions can form tube-like structures that can formpores in membranes. The present disclosure also provides uses of thecompounds and compositions of the present disclosure.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides compounds comprisingfolding oligoamides (folding oligoamides are also referred to herein as“foldamers”). Oligoamides comprise a plurality of aromatic substituentslinked by at least one amide bond.

In an example, the compounds of the present disclosure have a curvedbackbone. Not intending to be bound by any particular theory, the curvedbackbone is largely due to intramolecular hydrogen bonds that rigidifythe amide linkage of each amide group to each aromatic substituent andat least in part to an interaction between the aromatic substituents(e.g., π-π interactions), whereby the curved backbone is stabilized.

In various examples, an aromatic substituent of the present disclosurehas the following structure:

(hereinafter “B,” “N,” and “BN” residues, respectively), where R and R′are independently selected from the group consisting of linear alkyl(e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octylgroups, and the like) groups, branched alkyl groups (e.g., branchedderivatives of propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl groups, andthe like) and ether groups and oligoether groups (e.g., —(CH₂)₂OCH₃,—(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH₃, —(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂CH(CH₃)₂, and thelike); X is an acyl group (e.g., acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, phenylacetyl,fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl, and the like) or an aryl substituent; and Yis i) —NHCH₃, —NHCH₂CH₃, —NHR″, or —NHAr, ii) —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH₂CH₃,—OC(CH₃)₃, or OR″, where Ar is an aryl group and R″ is a linear orbranched alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl,heptyl, octyl groups, and the like), or an aromatic substituent.

Additional examples of oligoether groups include, but are not limitedto,

and the like, where the asterisk denotes a stereogenic carbon (i.e., acarbon having R or S stereochemistry), n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and R′″is a linear or branched alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, and the like).

In an example, compounds of the present disclosure form folded,tube-like structures (e.g., a helix). In a non-limiting illustrativeexample, the compound folds as shown in the following structure (usingthe B aromatic substituent as an example, and not excluding examples ofN, BN, and combinations thereof (including combinations with B)):

where, moving clockwise from the bolded end of the structure, thecompound spirals downward into the page.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides compositions comprisingcompounds of the present disclosure. In an example, a plurality ofcompounds of the present disclosure assemble such that the compounds arestacked atop one another to form a cylindrical structure. Thecylindrical structure is a composition of assembled compounds and thelongitudinal axis of each compound is coaxially aligned. The cylindricalstructure has an interior and an exterior. The interior of cylindricalstructure is a continuously hollow tubular cavity. Other assemblies arecontemplated and are within the scope of the subject invention.

A composition of the present disclosure can form a helix (andaccordingly can be referred to as a helix or helical composition). Ahelix can be right-handed or left-handed.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides uses of compounds and/orcompositions of the present disclosure. In various examples, a compoundor compounds and/or composition of the present disclosure are used toform pores in a vesicle (e.g., transmembrane pores in a liposome and/orcell). The pores can be nanopores. In various examples, compounds and/orcompositions of the present disclosure can be administered to cells,tissues, organs, or an individual (e.g., an individual in need thereof).The individual may be a human, a non-human mammal, a non-mammaliananimal or a plant.

The compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure can formtransmembrane pores. For example, the membrane is a membrane of aliposome, a cell, or other similar vesicle or molecular system.Compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure can be referredto as pore-forming compounds and/or compositions.

A molecule of interest can be transported through a pore (e.g.,transmembrane pore) formed by compounds and/or compositions of thepresent disclosure. In various examples, a molecule of interest is ahydrophilic species. Accordingly, in various examples, a method of thepresent disclosure comprises contacting a membrane of a vesicle (e.g., aliposome and/or cell or similar system) having a transmembrane pore witha molecule of interest, where the molecule of interest is transportedinto the vesicle (e.g., a liposome and/or cell or similar system). Invarious other examples, a molecule of interest (e.g., a hydrophilicspecies) is transported out of a cell. Non-limiting examples ofmolecules of interest include ions (e.g., protons, sodium, potassium, orchloride ions), dyes (e.g., 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acidtrisodium salt (HPTS)), nutrients typically used in cell or tissueculture, small molecules (e.g., drugs, such as, for example, theanticancer drug, 5-Fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (5-FdU), and the like),carbohydrates (e.g., pentoses and hexoses, such as, for example, but notlimited to, mannose, glucose, galactose, and the like; disaccharidessuch as, but not limited to, sucrose and trehalose, and the like),polyhydric alcohols (also referred to herein as “sugar alcohols,” suchas, for example, mannitol, sorbitol, and the like), sequestration agentsof metal ions (e.g., hydrophilic sequestration agents of metal ions,such as, for example, hydrophilic sequestration agents of Fe(II) and/orFe(III)), cryoprotective agents (CPAs, such as, for example, but notlimited to, DMSO, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol), peptides, andcombinations thereof. Examples of suitable CPAs, ions, and nutrients areknown in the art.

A method for using compounds and/or compositions of the presentdisclosure comprises i) contacting a membrane of a vesicle (e.g., aliposome, cell, or similar vesicle or molecular system), where thevesicle optionally encapsulates a stimuli-responsive molecule (e.g., afluorescent dye), with at least one compound and/or composition of thepresent disclosure such that the compound and/or composition form a porein the membrane of the vesicle; ii) contacting an analyte (e.g., asolution comprising an analyte, such as, for example, a carbohydrate, apeptide, a dye, and/or an ion) with the vesicle such that the analyteinteracts (e.g., binds) with the pore; and iii) measuring a change influorescence emission of the encapsulated stimuli-responsive molecule.

In an aspect, a compound and/or composition of the present disclosurecan be used in a method for molecular-level chromatography.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the disclosure,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 shows three series of aromatic oligoamides that fold into helicalconformations containing inner pores of different diameter.

FIG. 2 shows energy-minimized folded structures of (A) the 8mer, 16mer,32mer, and (B) 64mer of the B series oligomers with all side chains (Rgroups) being replaced with methyl groups. The approximate length ofeach helix is shown.

FIG. 3 shows general procedures for synthesizing the B-seriesoligoamides. The same synthetic steps are equally applicable for thepreparation of the N- and BN-series oligoamides.

FIG. 4 shows proton transport activities of the B-series oligoamidefoldamers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Although claimed subject matter will be described in terms of certainexamples, other examples, including examples that do not provide all ofthe benefits and features set forth herein, are also within the scope ofthis disclosure. Various structural, logical, process step, andelectronic changes may be made without departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

Ranges of values are disclosed herein. The ranges set out a lower limitvalue and an upper limit value. Unless otherwise stated, the rangesinclude all values to the magnitude of the smallest value (either lowerlimit value or upper limit value) and ranges between the values of thestated range.

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “group” refers to achemical entity that has one terminus that can be covalently bonded toother chemical species. Examples of groups include, but are not limitedto:

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “moiety” refers to achemical entity that has two or more termini that can be covalentlybonded to other chemical species. Examples of moieties include, but arenot limited to:

As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term “alkyl” refers tobranched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon groups. Examples of alkylgroups include, but are not limited to, methyl groups, ethyl groups,propyl groups, butyl groups, isopropyl groups, tert-butyl groups, andthe like. For example, the alkyl group can be a C₁ to C₁₂ alkyl group,including all integer numbers of carbons and ranges of numbers ofcarbons therebetween (C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, andC₁₂). The alkyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one ormore substituent. Examples of substituents include, but are not limitedto, various substituents such as, for example, halogens (—F, —Cl, —Br,and —I), aliphatic groups (e.g., alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynylgroups), aryl groups, alkoxide groups, carboxylate groups, carboxylicacids, ether groups, amines, alcohols, thiols, and the like, andcombinations thereof.

As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term “aryl” refers to C₅to C₁₄ aromatic or partially aromatic carbocyclic groups, including allinteger numbers of carbons and ranges of numbers of carbons therebetween(C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, and C₁₄). The aryl group cancomprise polyaryl moieties such as, for example, fused rings or biarylmoieties. The aryl group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one ormore substituent. Examples of substituents include, but are not limitedto, various substituents such as, for example, halogens (—F, —Cl, —Br,and —I), aliphatic groups (e.g., alkenes, alkynes), aryl groups,alkoxides, carboxylates, carboxylic acids, ether groups, amines,alcohols, thiols, and the like, and combinations thereof. Examples ofaryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl groups, biarylgroups (e.g., biphenyl groups), and fused ring groups (e.g., naphthylgroups).

The compounds and compositions of the subject invention can be used incryoprotection, nanopore-facilitated transport and/or uptake oftherapeutic molecules (or drug delivery) and/or other pharmaceutical orbiological applications. For example, the compounds and compositions canbe used in drug delivery by releasing the contents of capsules likeliposomes, biotherapeutics by permeabilizing cells to cytotoxic drugs,or biopreservation by loading cells with bioprotective agents.

The present disclosure provides aromatic oligoamide foldamers andself-assembled compositions formed from aromatic oligoamide foldamers.Compounds and compositions can form tube-like structures that can formpores in membranes. The present disclosure also provides uses of thecompounds and compositions of the present disclosure.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides compounds comprisingfolding oligoamides (folding oligoamides are also referred to herein as“foldamers”). Oligoamides comprise a plurality of aromatic substituentslinked by at least one amide bond.

In an example, the compounds of the present disclosure have a curvedbackbone. Not intending to be bound by any particular theory, the curvedbackbone is largely due to intramolecular hydrogen bonds that rigidifythe amide linkage of each amide group to each aromatic substituent andat least in part to an interaction between the aromatic substituents(e.g., π-π interactions), whereby the curved backbone is stabilized.

In various examples, an aromatic substituent of the present disclosurehas the following structure:

(hereinafter “B,” “N,” and “BN” residues, respectively), where R and R′are independently selected from the group consisting of linear alkyl(e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octylgroups, and the like) groups, branched alkyl groups (e.g., branchedderivatives of propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl groups, andthe like) and ether groups and oligoether groups (e.g., —(CH₂)₂OCH₃,—(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH₃, —(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂CH(CH₃)₂, and thelike); X is an acyl group (e.g., acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, phenylacetyl,fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl, and the like) or an aryl substituent; and Yis i) —NHCH₃, —NHCH₂CH₃, —NHR″, or —NHAr, ii) —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH₂CH₃,—OC(CH₃)₃, or —OR″, where Ar is an aryl group and R″ is a linear orbranched alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl,heptyl, octyl groups, and the like), or an aromatic substituent.

Additional examples of oligoether groups include, but are not limitedto,

and the like, where the asterisk denotes a stereogenic carbon (i.e., acarbon having R or S stereochemistry), n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and R′″is a linear or branched alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, andthe like).

A compound can have various numbers of aromatic substituents (e.g., arylmoieties such as B, N, and BN residues). In an example, a compound has 1to 128 aromatic substituents, including all integer number of aromaticsubstituents. In various examples, a compound is a 8mer, 10mer, 12mer,16mer, 32mer, 64mer, or 128mer, where the integer (e.g., 8, 16, etc.)corresponds to the number of aromatic substituents (e.g., aryl moietiessuch as B, N, and/or BN residues) in the compound.

In an example, a compound of the present disclosure has the followingstructure:

(hereinafter “B,” “N,” and “BN” residues, respectively), where R and R′are independently selected from the group consisting of linear alkyl(e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octylgroups, and the like) groups, branched alkyl groups (e.g., branchedderivatives of propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl groups, andthe like) and ether groups and oligoether groups (e.g., —(CH₂)₂OCH₃,—(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH₃, —(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂CH(CH₃)₂, and thelike); X is an acyl group (e.g., acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, phenylacetyl,fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl groups, and the like); Y is i) —NHCH₃,—NHCH₂CH₃, —NHR″, or —NHAr or ii) —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OC(CH₃)₃,or —OR″, where Ar is an aryl group and R″ is a linear or branched alkylgroup (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octylgroups, and the like); and where n=1 to 64, including all integers andranges therebetween. In various examples, n is 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20. In various examples, n is 4, 5,or 6.

In an example, a compound of the present disclosure, for each aromaticsubstituent, at least one substituent (e.g., R and/or R′) of thearomatic substituent that is bonded to an oxygen and hydrogen bonded toan amide hydrogen must be a methyl group. For example, for each backboneamide linkage, at least one substituent on the aromatic substituents oneither side of the amide linkage (e.g., R and/or R′) must be a methylgroup.

In various examples, each substituent (e.g., R and/or R′) on an aromaticsubstituent can be the same, different, or a combination of varioussubstituents. In non-limiting illustrative examples, the aromaticsubstituents of a compound of the present disclosure has one of thefollowing structures:

In an example, compounds of the present disclosure form folded,tube-like structures (e.g., a helix). In a non-limiting illustrativeexample, the compound folds as shown in the following structure (usingthe B aromatic substituent as an example, and not excluding examples ofN, BN, and combinations thereof (including combinations with B)):

where, moving clockwise from the bolded end of the structure, thecompound spirals downward into the page.

A compound of the present disclosure can form a helix (and accordinglycan be referred to as a helix or helical compound). A helix can beright-handed or left-handed.

In an example, a helix comprises a compound having 6.5 residues (e.g., aresidue is an aromatic substituent having, for example, but not limitedto, the structure B, N, BN, or a combination thereof) per turn. A helixcan comprise a compound having a pitch of about 3.6 Å per turn. Thepitch and number of residues per turn are determined by the bond anglesof the aromatic substituents. Not intending to be bound by anyparticular theory, these bond angles can change by several degreesdepending on the temperature. As such, it is expected that the number ofresidues per turn and the pitch will not be exactly 6.5 residues and 3.6Å, respectively, but rather the number of residues per turn and pitchwill be a range surrounding these base values. For example, a helix canhave 6.5±1 residues per turn, including all 0.1 residue values andranges between 0 and 1. In another example, the helix has a pitch of3.6±1 Å, including all 0.1 residue values and ranges between 0 and 1.

A helix of the present disclosure has an interior and an exteriorportion. In an example, the interior of the helix is a hollow, tubularcavity comprising hydrophilic groups/moieties. In an example, theexterior of the helix comprises hydrophobic groups/moieties.

The interior of the helix has a widest inner linear dimension (e.g., aninner diameter). The widest inner linear dimension of the interior is3.5 to 15 Å, including all 0.1 Å values and ranges therebetween.

In an example, the widest inner linear dimension (e.g., an innerdiameter) can vary in a compound of the present disclosure. In such anexample, the helix can comprise different segments, each segment havinga different widest inner linear dimension. Such as, for example, onesegment of a helix comprising at least one turn can have a widest innerlinear dimension of 10 Å. In a second segment of the helix comprising atleast one turn can have a widest inner linear dimension of 3.5 Å. In athird segment of the helix comprising at least one turn can have awidest inner linear dimension of 10 Å.

In an example, a helix has a longest linear dimension (e.g., a length).The longest linear dimension is 3.5 to 100 Å, including all 0.1 Å valuesand ranges therebetween. In another example, the longest lineardimension is 4 to 100 Å, including all 0.1 Å values and rangestherebetween.

It is desirable that the substituents (e.g., R and/or R′) on thearomatic substituents are moderately hydrophilic. In an example, acompound of the present disclosure is soluble in a polar, aproticsolvent (e.g., N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO),and the like). For example, a compound of the present disclosuremaintains solubility at a millimolar concentration (e.g., soluble at aconcentration 0.1 to 10 mM, including all 0.1 mM values and rangestherebetween).

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides compositions comprisingcompounds of the present disclosure. In an example, a plurality ofcompounds of the present disclosure assemble such that the compounds arestacked atop one another to form a cylindrical structure. Thecylindrical structure is a composition of assembled compounds and thelongitudinal axis of each compound is coaxially aligned. The cylindricalstructure has an interior and an exterior. The interior of cylindricalstructure is a continuously hollow tubular cavity. Other assemblies arecontemplated and are within the scope of the subject invention.

A composition of the present disclosure can form a helix (andaccordingly can be referred to as a helix or helical composition). Ahelix can be right-handed or left-handed.

In an example, a composition comprise helices having 6.5 residues (e.g.,a residue is an aromatic substituent having, for example, but notlimited to, the structure B, N, or BN) per turn. A helix can comprise acompound having a pitch of about 3.6 Å per turn. The pitch and number ofresidues per turn are determined by the bond angles of the aromaticsubstituents. Not intending to be bound by any particular theory, thesebond angles can change by several degrees depending on the temperature.As such, it is expected that the number of residues per turn and thepitch will not be exactly 6.5 residues and 3.6 Å, respectively, butrather the number of residues per turn and pitch will be a rangesurrounding these base values. For example, a helix can have 6.5±1residues per turn, including all 0.1 residue values and ranges between 0and 1. In another example, the helix has a pitch of 3.6±1 Å, includingall 0.1 residue values and ranges between 0 and 1.

In an example, the interior of the composition comprises hydrophilicgroups/moieties. In an example, the exterior comprises hydrophobicgroups/moieties.

The interior of a composition of the present disclosure have a widestlinear dimension (e.g., a diameter). The widest linear dimension of theinterior is 3.5 to 15 Å, including all 0.1 Å values and rangestherebetween.

A composition has a longest linear dimension (e.g., a length). Thelongest linear dimension is 3.5 to 100 Å, including all 0.1 Å values andranges therebetween. In another example, the longest linear dimension is4 to 100 Å, including all 0.1 Å values and ranges therebetween.

In an example, a composition of the present disclosure comprises helicalcompounds of the present disclosure, where each helical compound has adifferent longest linear dimension (e.g., a length). Such as, forexample, a composition comprises a first compound having a longestlinear dimension of 20 Å, a second compound having a longest lineardimension of 9 Å, and a third compound having a longest linear dimensionof 4 Å.

In an example, a composition of the present disclosure can comprisehelical compounds of the present disclosure, where each helical compoundcomprises a different plurality of aromatic substituent or combinationof pluralities of aromatic substituents. For example, a composition ofthe present disclosure can comprise a first helical compound comprisingBN aromatic substituents, a second helical compound comprising Baromatic substituents, and a third helical compound comprising Naromatic substituents. In another example, a composition of the presentdisclosure can comprise a first helical compound comprising BN aromaticsubstituents and B aromatic substituents, a second helical compoundcomprising BN aromatic substituents, and a third helical compoundcomprising N aromatic substituents.

In an example, a composition of the present disclosure is soluble in apolar, aprotic solvent (e.g., N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF),dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and the like). For example, a composition ofthe present disclosure maintains solubility at a millimolarconcentration (e.g., soluble at a concentration of 0.1 to 10 mM,including all 0.1 mM values and ranges therebetween, in a polar, aproticsolvent).

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides uses of compounds and/orcompositions of the present disclosure. In various examples, a compoundor compounds and/or composition of the present disclosure are used toform pores in a vesicle (e.g., transmembrane pores in a liposome and/orcell). The pores can be nanopores. In various examples, compounds and/orcompositions of the present disclosure can be administered to cells,tissues, organs, or an individual (e.g., an individual in need thereof).The individual may be a human, a non-human mammal, a non-mammaliananimal or a plant.

Short helical foldamers (e.g., those having one to five helical turns)can stack atop one another and form self-assembling pores that span alipid bilayer (e.g., a cell membrane), while long helices (e.g., asingle foldamer with up to ten to twelve helical turns) can serve asunimolecular pores that span a lipid bilayer. The self-assembling pores,in particular those consisting of stacked short helices, are stable atlow temperature but are disrupted at elevated temperatures due tothermal motion. Such self-assembling pores can be used to developthermo-responsive (i.e., temperature-responsive) methods for deliveringmolecules of interest into cells. In an example, the stacked shorthelices are stable at 1-40° C., including every 0.1° C. value and rangetherebetween. In various examples, the stacked short helices are stableat 1-37° C., including every 0.1° C. value and range therebetween.

In various examples, compounds and/or compositions of the presentdisclosure are used in cryoprotection methods, nanopore-facilitatedtransport and/or uptake of therapeutic and/or diagnostic moleculesand/or other pharmaceutical or biological applications. For example,compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure can be used inmethods of delivering drugs (e.g., therapeutic drugs), nutrients,imaging agents, radioactive or fluorescent tracers, or a combinationthereof (e.g., as membrane-bound sensor molecules and ions (e.g., inmethods for detecting chemical or biological warfare-like toxic proteinsand bacteria such as, for example, anthrax)) and as arrays (membranes)of nanopores (which can be used as, for example, materials for or inmethods of separation and purification of, for example, molecules andions).

The compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure can formtransmembrane pores. For example, the membrane is a membrane of aliposome, a cell, or other similar vesicle or molecular system.Compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure can be referredto as pore-forming compounds and/or compositions.

In an example, a compound and/or composition of the present disclosureforms a unimolecular or self-assembling pore having a length thatmatches the thickness (typically from ˜3.6 to 4.0 nm) of a lipid bilayeror cell membrane. For example, a compound that spans the full length ofthe membrane is called a molecular pore and/or unimolecular pore. Forexample, a composition that spans the full length of the membrane is aself-assembled pore.

In an example, a method of the present disclosure comprises contacting(e.g., at temperatures at or below physiological temperature) a compoundand/or composition of the present disclosure (e.g., a compound and/orcomposition of the present disclosure dissolved in a solvent (e.g.,water or a mixture of water and one or more polar, aprotic solvent, suchas, for example, DMSO or DMF) with a vesicle (e.g., a liposome and/orcell or similar system) having a membrane and so that the compoundand/or composition forms a pore that spans the thickness of the membrane(e.g., a transmembrane pore).

A molecule of interest can be transported through a pore (e.g.,transmembrane pore) formed by compounds and/or compositions of thepresent disclosure. In various examples, a molecule of interest is ahydrophilic species. Accordingly, in various examples, a method of thepresent disclosure comprises contacting a membrane of a vesicle (e.g., aliposome and/or cell or similar system) having a transmembrane pore witha molecule of interest, where the molecule of interest is transportedinto the vesicle (e.g., a liposome and/or cell or similar system). Invarious other examples, a molecule of interest (e.g., a hydrophilicspecies) is transported out of a cell. Non-limiting examples ofmolecules of interest include ions (e.g., protons, sodium, potassium, orchloride ions), dyes (e.g., 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acidtrisodium salt (HPTS)), nutrients typically used in cell or tissueculture, small molecules (e.g., drugs, such as, for example, theanticancer drug, 5-Fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (5-FdU), and the like),carbohydrates (e.g., pentoses and hexoses, such as, for example, but notlimited to, mannose, glucose, galactose, and the like; disaccharidessuch as, but not limited to, sucrose and trehalose, and the like),polyhydric alcohols (also referred to herein as “sugar alcohols,” suchas, for example, mannitol, sorbitol, and the like), sequestration agentsof metal ions (e.g., hydrophilic sequestration agents of metal ions,such as, for example, hydrophilic sequestration agents of Fe(II) and/orFe(III)), cryoprotective agents (CPAs, such as, for example, but notlimited to, DMSO, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol), peptides, andcombinations thereof. Examples of suitable CPAs, ions, and nutrients areknown in the art.

In various examples, compounds comprising BN and/or N residues aredesirable for transporting molecules of interest into or out of cells.

In nanopore-facilitated transport and/or uptake of therapeuticmolecules, the applications of the technology may include, but are notlimited to: intracellular delivery of drugs (e.g., hydrophilic drugs)and/or adjuvants for biomedical research and applications inbiopharmaceuticals for cancer and other diseases; intracellular deliveryof antigenes, antisense nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for gene therapy andthe like; and other medical applications, such as cell therapy (e.g.,chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T)) and blood therapy.

In example applications, drug delivery and/or drug accessing assistanceincludes, but is not limited to, delivering one or more drugs or agents(e.g., intracellular delivery of hydrophilic drugs and/or adjuvants) toliving organs, non-living organs, specimens, bone marrow, blood, stemcells, etc. of animals (e.g., mammals). The animals may be human ornon-human. Example drug delivery applications may include related drugformulations, devices, delivery processes and/or other drug accessingassistance apparatuses or methods.

The technology and related methods may also be used in otherpharmaceutical or biological applications, e.g., medical or biomedicalapplications. Example medical applications may include, but are notlimited to, therapy or treatment involving cell therapy (e.g., CAR-T),nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), bone marrow, blood or blood components, genetherapy and the like. Example biomedical applications may include, butare not limited to, biopharmaceutical research for drugs against cancerand other diseases, cell and bacterium freezing, such as E. coli and E.coli competent cells, Staphylococcus and the like.

Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for applications involvingcompounds and compositions of the present disclosure include mammaliancells (human and non-human), tissues, hybridoma cells, viruses,bacteria, parasites, fungi and the like. Other suitable materialsinclude agricultural or other plants, tissues and cells.

In an example, a molecular and/or self-assembling pore of the presentdisclosure is used in a method for detection (e.g., as a sensor). Themethod for detection comprises forming a molecular and/orself-assembling pore in a membrane of a vesicle (e.g., a liposome orsimilar system) where the vesicle optionally encapsulates astimuli-responsive molecule (e.g., a fluorescent dye). Without intendingto be bound by any particular theory, a molecule of interest (e.g., ananalyte, non-limiting examples of an analyte include a carbohydrate, apeptide, a dye, and/or an ion, and the like) is transported into or outof the vesicle where the molecule of interest interacts with or binds tothe pore, which disturbs the flow of ions through the pores. The iontransport through the membrane-bound pores is sensed by the encapsulatedstimuli-responsive molecules (e.g., florescent dye). The change in localconcentration of a molecule of interest is measured by a change influorescence emission of the encapsulated stimuli-responsive molecule(e.g., florescent dye).

A method for using compounds and/or compositions of the presentdisclosure comprises i) contacting a membrane of a vesicle (e.g., aliposome, cell, or similar vesicle or molecular system), where thevesicle optionally encapsulates a stimuli-responsive molecule (e.g., afluorescent dye), with at least one compound and/or composition of thepresent disclosure such that the compound and/or composition form a porein the membrane of the vesicle; ii) contacting an analyte (e.g., asolution comprising an analyte, such as, for example, a carbohydrate, apeptide, a dye, and/or an ion) with the vesicle such that the analyteinteracts (e.g., binds) with the pore; and iii) measuring a change influorescence emission of the encapsulated stimuli-responsive molecule.

A compound and/or composition of the present disclosure can be used tomediate proton transport (e.g., be used to detect the presence orabsence or concentration of protons in a sample). For example, aneffective amount of an acid or base (e.g., NaOH) to change the pH of asolution is added a solution comprising a solvent and a vesicleencapsulating a pH-sensitive molecule (e.g., a dye such as, for example,HPTS) or a drug (e.g., a hydrophilic drug such as, for example, 5-FdU)to form a mixture and an amount of a second solution comprising asolvent (e.g., DMSO or DMF) and a compound and/or composition at amillimolar concentration (e.g., 0.1 mM) is added to the mixture. Protontransport is measured by a change in fluorescence emission intensity ofencapsulated dye over time.

In an aspect, a compound and/or composition of the present disclosurecan be used in a method for molecular-level chromatography.

In an example, transmembrane pores of the present disclosure can be usedto selectively transport or deliver a molecule of interest (e.g., acarbohydrate, a peptide, a cryoprotectant agent (CPA), a dye, and/or anion) into and/or out of vesicle (e.g., a liposome and/or cell or similarsystem) having a membrane.

In various examples, a molecule of interest used in a method is acryoprotectant agent (CPA). In biopreservation based on cryoprotection,applications of the technology may include, but are not limited to,preservation of: cells, such as E. coli and E. coli competent cells,Staphylococcus and the like, mammalian cells, hybridoma cells, viruses,tissues, parasites and fungi; plant tissues, seeds, specimens, food,fruits and vegetables and the like; animal tissues, specimens; organs;meat (food), and the like; and human organs, specimens, blood, stemcells and the like.

Example cryopreservation applications may involve delivery of CPAs tocells, tissues and organs of humans, non-human animals, plants, etc. Forhumans, example cryopreservation applications may include, but are notlimited to, delivering CPAs to living organs, non-living organs,specimens, blood (e.g. stem cell) of human beings or the like. Fornon-human animals, example cryopreservation applications may include,but are not limited to, tissue freezing of non-human animal foods,specimens, organs or the like. For plants, example cryopreservationapplications may include, but are not limited to, plant tissue, seeds,specimens, food, fruits and vegetables and the like.

The compound and/or composition are expected to prevent ice formation byfacilitating transport of CPAs into cells. The compound and/orcomposition is/are expected to form unimolecular or self-assemblingtransmembrane pores that can function as molecular channels tofacilitate safe and efficient intracellular delivery and removal ofmolecules of interest (e.g., CPAs during cryopreservation). Theserationally designed synthetic transmembrane pores are expected to serveas selective transmembrane channels to transport molecules of interest.For example, these rationally designed unimolecular and/orself-assembling transmembrane pores are expected to serve asthermo-responsive transmembrane channels to transport CPAs at <3 OC whenprotein channels typically malfunction. The interruption of suchtransmembrane channels at elevated temperatures (e.g., 37° C.) willprevent the harmful effect of non-selective pores to growing cells. As aresult, the cell's CPA exposure time to reach ice-free cryopreservationtemperature can be reduced significantly. Post-preservation cell yieldand viability will be greatly improved by reducing intracellular iceformation and also by removing non-selective, open channels attemperatures at which cells restore the normal growth.

Compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure are expected tofacilitate the intracellular delivery and transmembrane equilibration ofmolecules of interest (e.g., CPAs). Size and function tunable,temperature-responsive synthetic transmembrane pores comprising one ormore compounds and/or composition of the present disclosure are expectedto serve as highly efficient molecular channels, which remain open atsubzero temperature to effectively deliver molecules of interest (e.g.,CPAs) across the cell membrane. In the case where the molecule ofinterest is a CPA, this will allow a significant decrease in both theCPA exposure time and loading/unloading temperature during freezing.This temperature-responsive feature, or other engineered environmentallysensitive stimuli, will allow synthetic nanopores to seal off at orabove physiological temperature, which offers minimum interference ofmembrane integrity and low toxicity. This method is expected to beeffective when CPA loading in tissues using the “liquidus tracking” orstep-wise methods where increasingly concentrated solutions of CPA areloaded in the tissue/organ at progressively decreasing temperatures.

Cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are additives that improve the post-thawviability of cryopreserved biological systems from cells to large andcomplex tissues/organs by preventing ice crystal nucleation and growth.Membrane permeable CPAs also prevent osmotic shrinkage of the cells andreduce the volume of available water by penetrating and equilibratingacross the cell membrane. All known CPAs exhibit various levels ofcytotoxicity at effective concentration which may be decreased byreducing the CPA loading temperature and exposure time. However, mostCPAs become effectively impermeable at sub-zero temperatures.

In an example, one or more compounds and/or one or more composition ofthe present disclosure (which can form synthetic nanopores comprisingone or more helical foldamers of the present disclosure) or acomposition of the present disclosure are delivered (e.g., administered)into a target system (e.g., a mammalian organ or tissue and mammals andnon-human mammals)). Methods of administration are known in the art andnon-limiting examples of which are described herein.

In an example, one or more compounds and/or one or more composition ofthe present disclosure (which can form synthetic nanopores comprisingone or more macrocyclic compounds of the present disclosure) aredelivered into a target system (such as for example, an organ or tissue(e.g., a mammalian organ or tissue)) at a physiological temperature(e.g., 37° C.), followed by CPA loading at hypothermic temperature (e.g.<4° C.). A high influx rate of CPAs through the nanopores can bemaintained during cooling as a function of the concentration gradientacross cell membrane, thereby reducing the required time to reachvitrification concentrations. Upon rewarming, the nanopores, especiallythe self-assembling pores, will be closed due to their increasedinstability at elevated temperatures. Thus, at or above physiologicaltemperature, the nanopores will seal off, and will diffuse away from thesystem resulting in low toxicity. This use of synthetic nanopores cansignificantly reduce toxicity and cell injury due to osmotic shrinkagecaused by CPAs and salt during both the cooling and rewarming processesvia (1) reducing CPA exposure time and (2) enabling rapid CPA loading atlower temperatures.

Moreover, versatile functional organic nanotubes of diverse sizes andproperties by modifying the inner cavities of the helical foldamersallow selective CPA transport while preventing ion exchange.Incorporation of functional supramolecular assemblies to enhancemembrane permeability of CPAs could lead to a revolutionary solution tolong-term cryopreserve large/complex tissues/organs, which willpotentially enable “Organs on Demand.”

Compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure can be providedin pharmaceutical compositions for administration by combining them withany suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients,stabilizers, or a combination thereof. Examples of pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers, excipients, and stabilizers can be found inRemington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (2005) 21st Edition,Philadelphia, Pa. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. For example, suitablecarriers include excipients and stabilizers which are nontoxic torecipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and includebuffers such as, for example, acetate, Tris, phosphate, citrate, andother organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid andmethionine; preservatives such as, for example, octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride,benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabenssuch as, for example, methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol;cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol; amino acids such as, forexample, glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine;monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates includingglucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as, for example,EDTA; tonicifiers such as, for example, trehalose and sodium chloride;sugars such as, for example, sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol;surfactant such as, for example, polysorbate; salt-forming counter-ionssuch as, for example, sodium; and/or non-ionic surfactants such as, forexample, Tween or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The pharmaceuticalcompositions may comprise other therapeutic agents. The presentcompositions can be provided as single doses or in multiple dosescovering the entire or partial treatment regimen. The compositions canbe provided in liquid, solid, semi-solid, gel, aerosolized, vaporized,or any other form from which it can be delivered to an individual.

Administration of formulations comprising compounds and/or compositionsas described herein can be carried out using any suitable route ofadministration known in the art. For example, the formulationscomprising compounds and/or compositions of the present disclosure maybe administered via intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal,intracerobrospinal, subcutaneous, intra-articular, intrasynovial, oral,topical, or inhalation routes. The compositions may be administeredparenterally or enterically. The compositions may be introduced as asingle administration or as multiple administrations or may beintroduced in a continuous manner over a period of time. For example,the administration(s) can be a pre-specified number of administrationsor daily, weekly or monthly administrations, which may be continuous orintermittent, as may be clinically needed and/or therapeuticallyindicated.

The steps of the methods described in the various examples disclosedherein are sufficient to carry out the methods of the presentdisclosure. Thus, in an example, a method consists essentially of acombination of the steps of the methods disclosed herein. In anotherembodiment, a method consists of such steps.

In the following Statements, various examples of the compounds,compositions, and methods of using the compounds and compositions of thepresent disclosure are described:

Statement 1. A compound comprising a plurality of aromatic substituentslinked by at least one amide group,where the compound having a curved backbone due at least in part tointramolecular hydrogen bonds that rigidify the amide linkage of eachamide group to each aromatic substituent and at least in part to aninteraction between the aromatic substituents, whereby the curvedbackbone is stabilized,where the composition comprises a plurality of aromatic substituentshaving the structure:

where R and R′ are independently at each occurrence selected from thegroup consisting of linear alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl,pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, and the like) groups, branched alkylgroups (e.g., branched derivatives of propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl,heptyl, octyl groups, and the like), an ether group, and oligoethergroup (e.g., —(CH₂)₂OCH₃, —(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH₃,—(CH₂)₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)₂, —(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂CH(CH₃)₂,

and the like, where the asterisk denotes a stereogenic carbon (i.e., acarbon having R or S stereochemistry), n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and R′″is a linear or branched alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, andthe like)), and combinations thereof;X is an acyl group (e.g., acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, phenylacetyl,fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl groups, and the like);

Y is:

i) —NHCH₃, —NHCH₂CH₃, —NHR″, and —NHAr; or

ii) —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OC(CH₃)₃, and —OR″,

-   -   where Ar is an aryl group and R″ is a linear or branched alkyl        group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl,        heptyl, octyl groups, and the like); and        n=1 to 64, including all integers and ranges therebetween.        Statement 2. The compound according to Statement 1, where the        backbone of the compound folds such that a helix (e.g.,        left-handed or right-handed helix) is formed (e.g., extending        longitudinally in the direction of a longitudinal axis).        Statement 3. The compound according to Statement 2, where there        is an interior and an exterior of the helix and the hydrogen        bonds are on the exterior of the helix. Statement 4. The        compound according to Statement 2 or 3, where the helix has        about 6.5 residues per turn.        Statement 5. The compound according to any one of Statements        2-4, where the helix has a pitch of about 3.6 Å per turn.        Statement 6. The compound according to any one of Statements        3-5, where the interior is a hollow tubular cavity that is        parallel to the longitudinal axis.        Statement 7. The compound according to any one of Statements        3-6, where the interior has an inner diameter of 3.5 to 15 Å,        including all 0.1 Å value and range therebetween (e.g., 7 to 15        Å).        Statement 8. The compound according to any one of Statements        2-7, where the compound has a length (e.g., a length along the        longitudinal axis) of 3.5 to 100 Å, including all 0.1 Å value        and range therebetween.        Statement 9. The compound according to any one Statements 3-8,        where the interior (also called the inner pore) is hydrophilic        and the exterior is hydrophobic.        Statement 10. A helical composition comprising an assembly of        the same compounds or a mixture of different compounds according        to any one of the preceding Statements, where each compound of        the same compounds or the mixture of different compounds is        disposed (i.e., stacked) on an adjacent compound (e.g., a        longitudinal axis of each compound is coaxially aligned) to form        a cylindrical structure.        Statement 11. The helical composition according to Statement 10,        where the cylindrical structure has an exterior and an interior.        Statement 12. The helical composition according to Statement 10        or 11, where the interior is a continuously hollow tubular        cavity.        Statement 13. The helical composition according to any one of        Statements 10-12, where the helical composition has a length        (e.g., a length along the longitudinal axis) of 3.5 to 100 Å.        Statement 14. A method of using a compound according to any one        of Statements 1-9 and/or a helical composition according to any        one of Statements 10-13, comprising forming a transmembrane        pore.        Statement 15. The method of Statement 14, comprising contacting        a compound according to any one of Statements 1-9 and/or a        helical composition according to any one of Statements 10-13        (e.g., a compound and/or a composition dissolved in a solvent,        such as, for example, but not limited to, DMSO) with a vesicle        having a membrane (e.g., a plasma (or cell) membrane), where the        compound and/or the helical composition forms a pore in the        membrane.        Statement 16. The method according to any one of Statements        14-15, comprising transporting a molecule of interest (e.g., a        hydrophilic compound and/or a hydrophilic species, such as, for        example, a carbohydrate, a polyhydric alcohol, a proton, an ion,        a dye, a peptide, a CPA, a drug, an adjuvant, or a combination        of any of the foregoing) through the pore.        Statement 17. The method according to any one of Statements        14-16, where the contacting comprises administering to an        individual (e.g., an individual in need of treatment) the        compound and/or the composition.        Statement 18. The method according to Statement 17, where the        method further comprises administering a molecule of interest        (e.g., a hydrophilic compound and/or a hydrophilic species, such        as, for example, a carbohydrate, such as, for example, glucose,        sucrose, trehalose, and the like; a polyhydric alcohol, such as,        for example, sorbitol, and the like; glycerol; a proton; an ion;        a sequestration agent of metal ions (e.g., hydrophilic        sequestration agent of metal ions, such as, for example        hydrophilic sequestration agent of Fe(II) and Fe(II); a dye; a        peptide; a CPA, such as, for example, an antifreeze peptide, a        non-natural antifreeze oligomer such as a peptoid, and        combinations, and the like; a drug; an adjuvant; or a        combination of any of the foregoing) to the individual.        Statement 19. The method according to any one of Statements        14-18, where the method is performed in vivo, in vitro, or ex        vivo.        Statement 20. A composition comprising at least one compound        according to Statement 1 that forms a continuously hollow        tube-like structures for forming pores in membranes, where said        pores are stable at low temperatures but are disrupted at        elevated temperatures due to thermal motion.        Statement 21. The composition according to Statement 20, where        the pores are stable at a temperature of 1 to 40° C., including        all 0.1° C. values and ranges (e.g., 1-37° C.).        Statement 22. The composition according to Statement 21 or 22,        further comprising a plurality of compounds that are the same or        different.        Statement 23. The composition according any one of Statements        20-22, where a plurality of compounds self-assembles into a        supramolecular structure.        Statement 24. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-23, where the at least one compound is a helix extending        longitudinally in the direction of a longitudinal axis.        Statement 25. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-24, where the helix is right-handed or left-handed.        Statement 26. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-25, where the helix has about 6.5 residues per turn.        Statement 27. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-26, where the helix has a pitch of about 3.6 Å per turn.        Statement 28. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-27, where the composition has a length along the longitudinal        axis of 3.5 to 100 Å, including all 0.1 Å value and range        therebetween.        Statement 29. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-28, where the tube-like structure has an interior and an        exterior.        Statement 30. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-29, where the interior is hydrophilic.        Statement 31. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-30, where the interior is a hollow tubular cavity that is        parallel to the longitudinal axis.        Statement 32. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-31, where the interior has an inner diameter of 3.5 to 15,        including all 0.1 Å value and range therebetween (e.g., 7 to 15        Å).        Statement 33. The composition according to any one of Statements        20-32, where the exterior of the helix has one or more hydrogen        bond.

The following examples are presented to illustrate the presentdisclosure. They are not intended to limiting in any matter.

Example 1

This example provides a description of oligoamide foldamers andaggregated foldamers of the present disclosure, methods of making same,and characterization of same.

Materials—Aromatic oligoamides having their backbone amide linkagesbeing restricted (or rigidified) with highly favorable intramolecularhydrogen bonds were found to fold into pore-containing helicalconformations that are stable in a wide variety of solvents ranging fromnon-polar to polar solvents including aqueous media. This technologyengages in three classes of aromatic oligoamides (FIG. 1) consisting of(1) benzene (B series), (2) naphthalene (N series), and (3) benzene andnaphthalene (BN series) residues that fold into helical conformationswith hydrophilic inner pores of different diameters based on the samebackbone-rigidifying folding mechanism.

The three series of oligoamides fold in the same way, with the heliceshaving ˜6.5 residues and a pitch of ˜3.6 Å per turn. Due to thedifferent curvatures of their backbones, the helices of each series haveinner pores of different diameters. The diameter of the inner pores ofthe helices of the B series is ˜8.5 Å, that of the N series 13 Å, andthe BN series 10 Å. The inner pores are chiral and hydrophilic due tothe presence of numerous amide oxygen atoms that are helically arranged.

FIG. 2 shows the energy-minimized folded structures of the 8mer, 16mer,32mer, and 64mer of the B-series oligamides. The length of each of thesehelices is defined by the chain length (i.e., number of residues) of thecorresponding oligomer. Each oligomer of the N and BN series follows thesame predictable correlation as shown in FIG. 2 for the B series betweenits chain length, i.e., its number of monomer residues, and the lengthsof the folded helical structure.

Properties and Functions—The transmembrane pore formed by a helix can bea self-assembling one, i.e., a pore that require multiple molecules tostack atop one another to span the membrane; or it can be a molecularone, i.e., one single helix with a sufficient length (˜40 Å) is capableof span a lipid bilayer which typically has a thickness of 36 to 40 Å.Among the helices of the B series (and similarly the N and BN series)oligoamides, it takes about eight 8mers, four 16mers, two 32mer, and one64mer to form a transmembrane pore. Thus only the 64mer is able to serveas a unimolecular pore. Due to entropic reason, the self-assemblingpores from 8mer, 16mer, to 32mer are expected to become increasinglystable but will still be less stable as compared to the unimolecularpore of the 64mer. The entropic cost and much more dynamic natureassociated with the formation the self-assembling pores, means that suchself-assembling pores, especially those formed by the 8mer, will showhigher sensitivity toward change in temperature. They will be morestable at low temperature and will be interrupted more frequently withrising temperature. This provide a means to thermal manipulate the openand closed state of the corresponding self-assembling pores.

With their oxygen-decorated hydrophilic inners of different sizes, thesethree classes of hollow foldamers act as pores that transport cationsand hydrophilic molecules (such as various saccharides) across the lipidbilayers (cell membranes). While the diameters of these hydrophilicpores are sufficiently large to allow the passage of cations ofessentially all sizes, the different diameters of the three classes ofpores will suit the transport of molecules of different. The diameter ofthe B-series pores allows saccharides with 3-5 carbons and linear sugaralcohols to pass. The BN-series pores have a diameter of ˜10 Å andshould be able to transport monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose,mannose, and many non-branched di- and oligosaccharides. The N-serieshelices offer inner pores of ˜13 Å across and should allow sucrose,trehalose and oligosaccharides with larger cross sections to pass. Thesefoldamer-based transmembrane pores can thus facilitate the transmembranetransport of biologically important, membrane-impermeable molecules of avariety of range of sizes.

Methods—Synthesis of aromatic oligoamides. The general procedures forsynthesizing the B-series oligoamides is shown in FIG. 3. The samesynthetic steps are equally applicable for the preparation of the N- andBN-series oligoamides.

Coupling the monomer acid chloride and amine leads to dimer (2mer) whichis reduced to dimer amine (2mer-NH2). Protecting 2mer-NH2 with Cbz group(and similarly with Fmoc or TFA group) followed by removing the t-butylgroup results in the dimer acid (Cbz-dimer-acid). Coupling dimer acidwith dimer amine with HBTU in DMF at 80° C. gives tetramer (4mer) whichis then converted into the 4mer-acid and 4mer-amine. Repeating the samecoupling steps gives the octamer (8mer), followed by the 16mer, 32mer,and 64mer. This length-doubling synthetic strategy quickly allows thesynthesis of long oligoamides in manageable numbers of coupling steps.

Transmembrane proton transport mediated by the B-series oligoamidefoldamers. The ability of the B-series 8mer, 16mer, 32mer and 64mer tomediated the proton transport across lipid bilayer is assessed with avesicle-based assay. To a solution of large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs)with encapsulated HPTS, a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, at pH 7.4 isadded an aliquot of 1N NaOH, which increases the pH outside the vesiclesand thus creates a proton gradient across the lipid bilayer. An aliquotof a solution (0.1 mM) of one of the oligoamides dissolved in DMSO isadded to the solution of the LUVs to reach a final concentration of 0.5μM, and the time-course of the fluorescence emission of the encapsulatedHPTS is followed. Transport of proton out of the LUVs is indicated by anincrease in the emission intensity of the encapsulated HPTS. Finally,the detergent Triton X-100 is added to rapture all vesicles, whichrelease the TPTS into the bulk solution. The results are shown FIG. 4.

As expected, all oligomers exhibit noticeable to significant activitiesin proton transport. The longest 64mer, which should form a unimoleculartransmembrane pore, shows the highest activity. The proton transportactivities can be directly correlated to the length of the oligoamides,with longer ones show higher activities. Similar trend of transportingother cations and small hydrophilic molecules such as glyceraldehye,glycerol, other linear sugar alcohols such sorbitol, xylitol, etc. canalso pass the pores of the B-series oligoamide foldamers and gettransported across lipid bilayer.

Example 2

This example provides a description of N-series synthesis.

The following is an example of the synthesis for the N-series monomerhaving methyl groups is shown in the following scheme:

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to oneor more particular embodiments and/or examples, it will be understoodthat other embodiments and/or examples of the present disclosure may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

1. A compound having the following structure:

wherein R and R′ are independently at each occurrence chosen from ethergroups, and oligoether groups; X is an acyl group; Y is: i) —NHCH₃,—NHCH₂CH₃, and —NHR″; or ii) —OCH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OCH₂CH₃, —OC(CH₃)₃, and—OR″, wherein R″ is a linear or branched alkyl group; and n=1 to
 64. 2.(canceled)
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein R and R′ areindependently at each occurrence

wherein the asterisk denotes R or S stereochemistry, n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,or 6, and R′″ is chosen from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, and isopentyl.
 4. The compound ofclaim 1, wherein the backbone of the compound folds such that a helixextending longitudinally in the direction of a longitudinal axis isformed, wherein the helix has a left-handed or right-handed orientation.5. The compound of claim 4, wherein the helix has about 6.5 residues perturn and/or the helix has a pitch of about 3.6 Å per turn.
 6. (canceled)7. The compound of claim 4, wherein the helix has an interior and anexterior and the interior is a hollow tubular cavity that is parallel tothe longitudinal axis.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The compound of claim 7, whereinthe interior has an inner diameter of 7 to 15 Å.
 10. The compound ofclaim 1, wherein the compound has a length along the longitudinal axisof 3.5 to 100 Å.
 11. (canceled)
 12. A helical composition comprising anassembly of the same compounds of claim 1 or a mixture of differentcompounds of claim 1, wherein each of the same compounds or the mixtureof different compounds is disposed on an adjacent compound to form acylindrical structure, such that a longitudinal axis of each compound iscoaxially aligned, wherein the cylindrical structure has an exterior andan interior.
 13. The helical composition of claim 12, wherein theinterior is a continuously hollow tubular cavity.
 14. The helicalcomposition of claim 12, wherein the helical composition has a lengthalong the longitudinal axis of 3.5 to 100 Å.
 15. A method of using acompound of claim 1 or a mixture of the compounds of claim 1, comprisingcontacting the compound of claim 1 or a mixture of compounds of claim 1with a vesicle having a membrane, wherein the compound or a mixture ofcompounds of claim 1 forms a pore in the membrane.
 16. (canceled) 17.The method of claim 15, further comprising transporting a molecule ofinterest through the pore.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein thecontacting comprises administering the compound(s) to an individual inneed of treatment.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the methodfurther comprises administering a molecule of interest to the individualin need of treatment.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the moleculeof interest is a hydrophilic compound and/or a hydrophilic species. 21.The method of claim 20, wherein the hydrophilic compound and/or thehydrophilic species is a carbohydrate, a polyhydric alcohol, or acombinations thereof.
 22. (canceled)
 23. The method of claim 20, whereinthe hydrophilic compound and/or the hydrophilic species is/are chosenfrom a proton, an ion, a dye, a peptide, a CPA, a drug, an adjuvant, ahydrophilic sequestration agent of metal ions, and combinations thereof.24. The method of claim 23, wherein the CPA is an antifreeze peptide, anon-natural antifreeze oligomer, or a combination thereof.
 25. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the method is performed in vivo, in vitro,or ex vivo.
 26. A composition comprising at least one compound thatforms a continuously hollow tube-like structures for forming pores inmembranes, wherein said pores are stable at low temperatures but aredisrupted at elevated temperatures due to thermal motion.
 27. Thecomposition of claim 26, wherein the pores are stable at a temperatureof 1 to 37° C.
 28. The composition of claim 26, further comprising aplurality of compounds that are the same or different.
 29. Thecomposition of claim 28, wherein a plurality of compounds self-assemblesinto a supramolecular structure, wherein each compound is disposed on anadjacent compound to form a cylindrical structure, such that alongitudinal axis of each compound is coaxially aligned, wherein thecylindrical structure has an exterior and an interior.
 30. Thecomposition of claim 26, wherein the at least one compound is a helixextending longitudinally in the direction of a longitudinal axis. 31.(canceled)
 32. The composition of claim 30, wherein the helix has about6.5 residues per turn and/or the helix has a pitch of about 3.6 Å perturn.
 33. (canceled)
 34. The composition of claim 30, wherein thecomposition has a length along the longitudinal axis of 3.5 to 100 Å.35. The composition of claim 30, wherein the tube-like structure has aninterior and an exterior and the interior is a hollow tubular cavitythat is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 36. (canceled)
 37. (canceled)38. The composition of claim 35, wherein the interior has an innerdiameter of 7 to 15 Å.
 39. The composition of claim 35, wherein theexterior of the helix has one or more hydrogen bond.
 40. The compound ofclaim 1, wherein R and R′ are independently at each occurrence

wherein the asterisk denotes R or S stereochemistry, n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,or 6, and R′″ is chosen from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, and isopentyl.